1

Excavator Owner Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Excavator Operator - Excavation

Dallas, TX ยท On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

We are a 100% employee-owned organization, fostering a strong team atmosphere where everyone shares ... Excavator Operator Job Summary: The Excavator Operator operates or tends machinery equipped with ...

Excavator Operator

Dickinson, ND ยท On-site

$42 - $48/hr

As an Excavator Operator, you will be an integral member of the Baranko Brothers team, responsible ... Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Dickinson, North Dakota, Baranko Companies is a family-owned ...

Excavator Operator

Loudon, TN ยท On-site

$30 - $32/hr

We're a growing, family-owned residential plumbing company looking for a skilled Excavator Operator to join our team. If you have experience operating equipment for sewer and water line installations ...

Excavator Operator - Excavation

Dallas, TX ยท On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

We are a 100% employee-owned organization, fostering a strong team atmosphere where everyone shares ... Excavator Operator Job Summary: The Excavator Operator operates or tends machinery equipped with ...

Excavator Operator - Excavation

Dallas, TX ยท On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

We are a 100% employee-owned organization, fostering a strong team atmosphere where everyone shares ... Excavator Operator Job Summary: The Excavator Operator operates or tends machinery equipped with ...

Excavator Operator

Dickinson, ND ยท On-site

$21.25 - $28.25/hr

As an Excavator Operator, you will be an integral member of the Baranko Brothers team, responsible ... Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Dickinson, North Dakota, Baranko Companies is a family-owned ...

Excavator Operator - Excavation

Dallas, TX ยท On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

We are a 100% employee-owned organization, fostering a strong team atmosphere where everyone shares ... Excavator Operator Job Summary: The Excavator Operator operates or tends machinery equipped with ...

Excavator Operator

Dickinson, ND ยท On-site

$42 - $48/hr

As an Excavator Operator, you will be an integral member of the Baranko Brothers team, responsible ... Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Dickinson, North Dakota, Baranko Companies is a family-owned ...

Excavator Operator

Locust Grove, GA ยท On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Excavator Operator Company Overview M&M Recycling is a family-owned scrap metal recycling company that values safety, hard work, and doing the job right. We operate a fast-paced yard where skilled ...

Excavator Operator

Newark, DE ยท On-site

$22.25 - $29.25/hr

Overview Excavator Operator Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is North America's largest plumbing, drain ... Roto-Rooter operates businesses in over 100 company-owned branches, independent contractor ...

Excavator Operator

Newark, DE

$22.25 - $29.25/hr

Excavator Operator Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is North America's largest plumbing, drain cleaning ... Roto-Rooter operates businesses in over 100 company-owned branches, independent contractor ...

Excavator Operator

Newark, DE ยท On-site

$22 - $29.25/hr

Overview Excavator Operator Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is North America's largest plumbing, drain ... Roto-Rooter operates businesses in over 100 company-owned branches, independent contractor ...

Showing results 21-40

Excavator Owner Operator information

See salary details

$13

$26

$41

How much do excavator owner operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavator owner operator in the United States is $26.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an excavator owner operator?

An Excavator Owner Operator is a skilled professional who owns and operates their own excavator for various construction, demolition, or earthmoving projects. They are responsible for transporting, maintaining, and using their equipment efficiently to complete tasks such as digging trenches, clearing land, and moving heavy materials. Unlike company-employed operators, owner-operators manage their own business, secure contracts, and handle expenses like fuel, repairs, and insurance. This role requires expertise in equipment operation, strong business acumen, and adherence to safety regulations.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an excavator owner operator?

As an Excavator Owner Operator, your daily responsibilities generally include transporting your equipment to and from job sites, performing inspections and routine maintenance, and operating the excavator to perform digging, grading, trenching, or demolition tasks as required. You will often need to read site plans or instructions, work closely with site supervisors and other contractors, and ensure all work meets safety and project specifications. Efficient time management is important as you'll often manage your own schedule and billing. The role is hands-on and physically demanding, with a strong focus on precision, safety, and coordination with other professionals to keep projects on track.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an excavator owner operator?

Excavator Owner Operators require strong mechanical aptitude, equipment operation skills, and a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) or heavy equipment operator certification. They must be proficient in using hydraulic excavators, GPS grade control systems, and routine maintenance tools. Excellent problem-solving, time management, and communication skills help operators coordinate with crew members and manage jobsite demands effectively. These competencies are vital for operating safely, maximizing equipment lifespan, and delivering quality results on construction and excavation projects.

How much do excavator owner operators earn?

Excavator owner operators typically earn between $20 and $40 per hour, with annual incomes ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 depending on experience, location, and workload. Earnings can increase with additional certifications, specialized skills, and the ability to handle larger or more complex equipment.

Is owning an excavator profitable?

Owning an excavator as an owner-operator can be profitable if there is consistent demand for excavation services, proper maintenance, and efficient scheduling. Profitability depends on factors such as equipment costs, project rates, and operational expenses, making it essential to manage costs and secure steady work. Successful operators often combine technical skills with business management to maximize earnings.

Where do excavator owner operators make the most money?

Excavator owner operators tend to earn higher wages in regions with high construction activity, such as urban areas with ongoing infrastructure projects. States or provinces with strong construction industries and higher cost of living often offer better pay, especially for those with specialized skills and certifications. Income can also vary based on experience, equipment, and the complexity of projects undertaken.
More about Excavator Owner Operator jobs

What cities are hiring for Excavator Owner Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Excavator Owner Operator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator Owner Operator jobs?

The most popular types of Excavator Owner Operator jobs are:

What states have the most Excavator Owner Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Excavator Owner Operator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Excavator Owner Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 59% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Utility Excavator Operator

Valenti-Held Contractors/Developers

Whitestown, IN โ€ข On-site

$23 - $30.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Utility Excavator Operator

Location: Whitestown, IN

Job Type: Full-time

Company Overview:

At Valenti-Held, we are a leading player in site development, known for our commitment to quality, safety, and innovation. As an employee-owned company, we believe in investing in our people and providing opportunities for long-term career growth. Weโ€™re currently looking to add experienced Utility Excavator Operators to support our underground utility crews on a variety of site development projects.

If you have experience operating excavators, dozers, skid steers, and other heavy equipment in underground utility installation, we want to talk to you! Join our team and become part of a company that values hard work, expertise, and a safe, productive environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Utility Excavator Operation: Operate excavators to dig trenches and excavations for storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water line installation.

Trenching & Backfill: Perform precise trenching, bedding, and backfilling in accordance with project specifications and grade requirements.

Pipe Installation Support: Work closely with pipe crews to place and support underground utilities safely and accurately.

Grade Control: Maintain line, grade, and slope using laser, GPS, or other grade-control systems as required.

Equipment Maintenance: Perform daily inspections and ensure safe, proper operation of excavators and related equipment.

Site Safety: Follow all company safety policies, including trench safety, utility locating, and excavation standards.

Collaboration: Coordinate with foremen and crew members to complete work efficiently and on schedule.

Qualifications:

Experience: Proven experience operating excavators in underground utility or site development work preferred.

Equipment Knowledge: Familiarity with excavators, skid steers, loaders, and other construction equipment.

Physical Requirements: Ability to perform physically demanding tasks and work in varying weather conditions.

Safety-Oriented: Strong commitment to jobsite safety and safe excavation practices.

Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and team members.

Valid Driverโ€™s License: Reliable transportation to and from job sites required.

Pre-Employment Screening: Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and physical examination.

Benefits:

โ€ข Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage for you and your family

โ€ข Dental Insurance

โ€ข Vision Insurance

โ€ข Health Savings Account (HSA)

โ€ข Employer-Paid Life Insurance

โ€ข 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

โ€ข 401(k) Company Match

โ€ข Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) โ€“ company-funded retirement benefit and employee ownership

โ€ข Paid Time Off (PTO) โ€“ paid vacation and holidays

โ€ข Referral Program

โ€ข Employee-Owned Company

Why Join Us?

At Valenti-Held, we are more than just a construction companyโ€”we are an employee-owned organization. Youโ€™ll have the opportunity to build a long-term career, grow your skills, and share in the success of the company. If youโ€™re an experienced Utility Excavator Operator looking for your next opportunity, apply today and join our team!